Lionel Messi 'will decide his future in 2023' according to reports, with rumours the Paris Saint-Germain forward could return to Barcelona.
Messi is in his second season in France after saying a heart-breaking goodbye to his career-long Spanish side in 2021 as financial issues made it impossible for him to re-sign.
Messi's contract in Paris expires next summer
And he could return to Barca for free after his tearful farewell
Under new leadership and management, Barcelona's money issues have somewhat eased, allowing them to have an unexpectedly busy summer window under returning president Joan Laporta.
Messi, meanwhile, is in the second year of a two-year contract in Paris, and could be available for another free transfer next summer, with the rumour mill in full swing.
Barca's vice president Eduard Romeu had earlier stoked the flames of a return by saying: "It would be possible financially because if he returned, it would be as a free agent."
And now more fuel has been added to the fire with Argentinian journalist Veronica Brunati Tweeting: "July 1, 2023, Lionel #Messi will be a Barca player."
The Telemundo Deportes writer has undoubtedly thrilled fans in Catalunya that their seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could be on his way back, but others claim it's too soon to know.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has since stated: "Sources close to Lionel Messi insist he will decide his future in 2023, not now.
Messi has plenty of thinking to do with the World cup also on his mind
"Barcelona, already discussing internally of his return — and PSG will really try to extend his contract.
"Messi's camp guaranteed that no decision has been made and nothing is advanced yet."
Messi's first season with PSG left many underwhelmed with 11 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, his lowest total since 2006/07.
This year though, he's already reached seven goals and eight assists in 12 games, and has said he's finally enjoying his football in France.
"I feel different to what it was last year. I had a bad time, I never finished finding myself," Messi said.
"This year is different. I arrived with another head, more accommodated to the club, to the locker room, my teammates, to the game.
"The truth is that I feel very good. I enjoyed myself again."
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